A comparison of screen and ram extrusion-spheronisation of simple pharmaceutical pastes based on microcrystalline cellulose

Non-aqueous formulations for ram and screen extrusion-spheronisation

The use of non-aqueous cellulose-based formulations for extrusion-spheronisation (E-S) is investigated. A 10 wt% hydroxypropyl cellulose/isopropyl alcohol solution (HPC/IPA) was identified as a suitable sticky liquid binder for preparing non-aqueous pastes. Preliminary tests were performed on a series of pastes using a ram as well as a laboratory roller screen extruder, since the former is commonly used in batch testing and the latter replicates the shear range in a manufacturing screen extruder. Pellets with acceptable size and shape distributions were obtained with Avicel® HFE-102 NF/HPC/IPA for ram E-S, and with Avicel® RC-591/HPC/IPA for screen E-S. Further investigation was performed with calcium carbonate added as a model active pharmaceutical ingredient. Both formulations were able to generate pellets with acceptable size and shape characteristics at up to 50 wt% carbonate loading: further work is required to optimise yields.

Obtainment of pellets using the standardized liquid extract of Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae)

Background:

The standardized liquid extract of Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul is an alternative for the treatment of vitiligo. There is a shortage of solid oral dosage forms developed from standardized extracts of this plant specie.

Objective:

This study is aimed to obtain pellets with a standardized liquid extract of B. gaudichaudii.

Results:

The standardized liquid extract of B. gaudichaudii was obtained through maceration and percolation with a 55% ethanol-water solution (v/v). Pellets were obtained through a mixture of extract of 500 g of B. gaudichaudii standardized extract, 500 g of microcrystalline cellulose PH101 and 10 g of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100. The pellets obtained presented a homogeneity yield of 92%, aspect ratio of 1.16 ± 0.65, shape fator e_R of 0.35 ± 0.09 and Feret diammeter of 0.87 ± 0.27. These pellets were coated with a suspension composed of titanium dioxide, aluminum red lacquer, ethyl cellulose, talc and magnesium stearate. Before the photostability test, the uncoated pellets showed psoralen content equal to 0.13 ± 0.01% and to the 5-MOP was 1.40 ± 0.27%. After exposure to one level (3 J.cm^-2) of UVB irradiation the uncoated pellets presented a degradation of 2.16% of psoralen and 8.1% of 5-MOP. After exposure to three levels (10, 20 and 30 J.cm^-2) of UVA irradiation the uncoated pellets exhibited photodegradation of 9.78, 17.64, 24.21% of psoralen and 18.95, 23.68, 28.48% for 5-MOP. The coated pellets where unaffected after photostability test.

Conclusion:

Pellets were obtained with the standardized liquid extract of B. gaudichaudii and coating is a technological alternative to ensure the stability of the formula.